Roscommon County FIT Community Forum Series
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This event is open to anyone interested in the future of Roscommon County and the surrounding region. Business owners, elected officials, organizations, educators, and residents are happily encouraged to attend.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM:
The Roscommon County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) and Michigan State University Extension teamed up in 2023 to launch a year-long, multi-phase, and county-wide initiative designed to strengthen the northeast county’s small town tourism industry by capitalizing on stakeholder knowledge, input, and first-time visitor perspectives. To learn more as to what has taken place since 2023, read here.
In short, Roscommon County and three communities participated in First Impressions Tourism (FIT) assessments. FIT is a comprehensive community assessment conducted by unannounced visitors in a host community. Overall, First Impressions Tourism (FIT) helps communities learn about their strengths and weaknesses through the eyes of first-time visitors. For more information on FIT, please click here.
The series will take place the first four Wednesdays in May. The first session, scheduled for May 1st, will be in-person and will cover first-time visitor perspectives to Roscommon County. Subsequent sessions will take place virtually via Zoom and will explore first-time visitors perspectives to three specific communities within Roscommon County (see schedule).
Session 1: In-Person, Countywide Results
- May 1, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m.
- Location: Markey Township Hall, 7400 E. Houghton Lake Dr., Houghton Lake, MI 48629
- Refreshments will be served!
Sessions 2, 3, and 4 are Virtual on Zoom. You may either view them from your personal device with internet access or attend an in-person group viewing session if you prefer.
Session 2: Virtual, Prudenville/Houghton Lake Results
- May 8, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m.
- In-person viewing location:
- Denton Township Hall, 2565 S Gladwin Road, Prudenville, MI 48651
Session 3: Virtual, St. Helen Results
- May 15, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m.
- In-person viewing location:
- Richfield Township Hall, 1410 N Saint Helen Road, Saint Helen, MI 48656
Session 4: Virtual, Village of Roscommon Results
- May 22, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m.
- In-person viewing location:
- Roscommon Village Hall, 702 Lake Street, Roscommon, MI 48653
You will receive Zoom connection information for the Virtual events once you register.
Registration for Roscommon County First Impressions Community Forum Series is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 21, 2024.
Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For additional information concerning the First Impressions May 1 Event location or logistics, contact Brenda Bachelder with Michigan Works by email bbachelder@michworks4u.org or phone 989-366-8660 ext. 1602.For questions regarding the FIT process and what to expect at the Events, contact Will Cronin at croninwi@msu.edu.